Spain

First and foremost, it is because this country almost entirely consists of mountains and highlands. It seems to be elevated to the skies and the clean air of the peaks is filled with the fragrance of the fertile plateau. The capital of Spain, Madrid, is the highest capital in Europe. The brilliance of the times when Spain was an empire so vast that “the sun never set above it” is still kept in the city’s architecture.

Geographically Madrid is at the latitude of Tashkent, so its climate is southern and hot. Spain is considered to be the warmest state in Europe. The country is sun-drenched for 280 days out of 365 in a year. Apparently, the sun was the parent of the famous Spanish temper – explosive and lively.

At the same time, even in the capital of Madrid there is an absence of the bustle and crowds we are accustomed to seeing in other large cities. Spaniards are the nation of traditions, and they are loyal to their age-old roots. Family traditions are valued here more than the business ones, and the locals visit carnivals with the same zest as church celebrations. And siesta, that is, the daily after-dinner nap, is still normal.

Spain is also a country of health, the main sports nation of the world, whose traditions were specially strengthened after the Barcelona Olympics. In all Spanish cities there are active stadiums, sports centers, and residents are provided with every opportunity for an active and healthy lifestyle.

It’s very easy to get to Spain, because the airline service is the pride of the country (and evidently, the same Spanish zest for loftiness works). The splendid modern airports of Madrid and Barcelona accept tens of millions of passengers a year. There are more than 40 air hubs in Spain in total. Madrid is separated from the Russian capital by only 4 hours of flight.

Spain is hospitable and friendly, with a restless and cheerful character. Spaniards let off steam at bullfights or national football championships (of course, with the participation of Real).

And for contemplative tranquility, both local people and tourists visit the Prado Art Museum of Madrid, which only the Louvre and the Hermitage can rival.

But neither France nor Russia will ever become rivals to the magnificent mountainous landscapes of the Pyrenees, Iberia and Catalonia or with thousands of kilometers of fantastic beaches.

The golden shores of the Costa Dorada, the picturesque Costa Brava in the north, the orange Costa Blanca with white sand, and the prestigious and aristocratic Costa del Sol – here there are many things to choose from, because Spain is considered to be the main European beach country. When there is severe winter in Russia, lemon gardens blossom on the peaceful coasts of Spain and on the tropical Canary Islands, and you can swim in the sea.

If you go from the coast up to the mountains, you will be amazed by the aroma of vineyards. Spain is the third-largest wine producer in the world (with only France and Italy ahead). But no one can challenge Spain’s honor of being the main olive country. Spanish olives and olive oil are nothing like what we have here in cans. They can be tasted only in Spain. The same goes with genuine fish paella or jamón – ham cooked so that it doesn’t spoil in the heat…

High-level traditional European culture. Highland landscapes. Lofty architectural style. Elevated spirits of Don Quixote in every Spaniard. Words are not enough to speak of elevated things. You just have to see it yourself.